Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $113,022 - $136,747
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Early childhood
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/ECE/1890125
About the Department
The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society. The department supports a culture of leadership, learning and renewal in all workplaces with opportunities for career development and advancement. Further information about the department is available at: www.vic.gov.au/education.
About the Division
The Department of Education is the Victorian Regulatory Authority for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services under delegation from the Secretary. The Quality Assessment and Regulation Division (QARD) in the department regulates and quality assesses Victorian ECEC services. It drives the delivery of high-quality services and ensures the safety, health and wellbeing of Victorian children attending those services.
QARD regulates approximately 4,900 services including family day care, outside school hours care, long day care and kindergarten programs, as required by the Education and Care Services National Law 2010 (National Law). QARD also regulates around 180 services operating under the Victorian Children's Services Act 1996 (Children's Services Act); these include occasional care and limited hours services.
QARD is responsible for:
QARD is also the integrated sector regulator of the Child Safe Standards for all early childhood services in Victoria. Further information about QARD is available at: www.vic.gov.au/role-quality-assessment-and-regulation-division
About the Role
Located in the Regions Performance and Support Unit, the Senior Program Advisor contributes to how QARD regulates and quality-assesses ECEC services. The incumbent will support the development and implementation of projects and policy initiatives across a range of areas within QARD, ensuring the division drives the delivery of high-quality services that focus on the safety, health and wellbeing of Victorian children using those services.
This role includes leadership and collaboration with staff within QARD, in other divisions and groups across the Department, and with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Working within a small team, the key duties of this role include:
This is a fixed term position to 30 June 2026.
The position is based in QARD's central office but may involve travel to metropolitan and regional areas.
Attributes
To be successful in this role, you will have:
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Desirable: Relevant qualifications in policy and/or project management; knowledge of early childhood education.
Essential: Hold a valid Victorian Working with Children's Check and Victorian driver's licence.
Further Information
Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 3 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role.
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in the application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact John Kouvelas, Senior Manager Regional Performance and Support via (03) 7022 1265 or [email protected].
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 28 November, 2025.